Predicting Weight Regain After Weight Loss Through Body Signals
Official title: Predicting Weight Regain Following Weight Loss Using Physiological Measures of Appetite and Energy Expenditure
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11554839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study with people who are losing weight will check how their body’s metabolism and appetite signals might influence if they regain weight later.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 24, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,224,538 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DK128298-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11554839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing a structured weight-loss program who achieve at least 7% weight loss and are willing to participate in follow-up visits.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not engage in a weight-loss program or do not reach the 7% weight-loss threshold may not benefit from the study insights.
What this research studies
We will enroll 100 adults starting a weight-loss program modeled after the Diabetes Prevention Program and measure their metabolism and appetite at baseline, then again after they reach at least 7% weight loss (month 0) and at 2 and 18 months follow-up. A comparison group of 33 overweight individuals who keep their weight will be recruited to serve as a reference. By tracking changes in metabolism and appetite, we aim to see how these physiological factors relate to weight regain and identify who might be at higher risk. This work uses regular assessments to understand weight maintenance as a dynamic process rather than a single transition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor weight-loss maintenance strategies to individuals’ physiological profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has begun to link metabolism and appetite changes to weight maintenance, with ongoing work refining predictive factors.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowe, Michael R — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lowe, Michael R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.